How To Store Cupcakes: Essential Tips For Maximum Deliciousness

Tired of stale and dry cupcakes? This article will teach you how to store cupcakes properly and avoid that.

There is nothing better than fresh, delicious, flavorful cupcakes.

Yes, we all know it's always better to make a fresh batch just before the time you serve them. But occasionally during the lack of time, you may need to bake them in advance, or sometimes you may have some leftovers.

Therefore, you have probably asked yourself, how to store cupcakes that you just finished up baking?

Luckily, there are few methods to help you store them properly. You can store your cupcakes short-term on your countertop or long-term by freezing them. You can store them frosted or unfrosted. I divided this article into four sections to help you go through them easily:

How To Store Unfrosted Cupcakes

If baking and frosting seem like too much work on the same day, you can always bake them a day ahead and frost them the day after. All you need to do is perform the following simple steps, and your cupcakes will be fresh and delicious like you have just baked them.

1. Let cupcakes cool completely

Remove the cupcakes from the baking tray and put them on the wire rack to cool them off completely. Usage of a plate or cutting b​​oard instead of the wire rack will likely make the bottoms of your cupcakes soggy or steamy because air can't circulate around them. Try to avoid that by always using a wire rack. Wire rack lets air circulate around the cupcakes and help them cool faster.

2. Store cooled cupcakes in a storage container with a tight-fitting lid

Choose a tight-fitting li​​d container that is BPA-free and is tall enough as well to fit the cupcakes without squishing them. Avoid covering the cupcakes with the plastic wrap or plastic bag cause it might make your cupcake tops sticky. You can always lay a sheet of wax paper on the bottom of your container just to be sure that cupcakes won't stick to it.

3. Store cupcakes on the countertop at room temperature

It's always a better idea to store cupcakes on the countertop, then in a fridge. Cold cupcakes can taste dry and dense. If in some situations you must store them in the fridge, always remember to bring them back to the room temperature before serving them.

4. Frost cupcakes within two days

Cupcakes are best to use and frost within 48 hours of baking them.

How To Store Frosted Cupcakes

Storing frosted cupcakes isn't so much different from storing unfrosted cupcakes.

You will use the same tight-fitting lid container that's tall enough to provide enough space, so you make sure that cupcakes won't be smashed during the frosting process.

Make sure your container is at least 3 inches (CA. 8cm) tall, so you can be sure frosting won't be smashed.

Store your frosted cupcakes on the countertop at room temperature. Always make sure that dairy frosting shouldn't be stored out of the fridge.

Cupcakes stored like this can be used for a week, but it's best to use them within 3-4 days after baking.

How To Freeze Unfrosted Cupcakes

If you need to make cupcakes far in advance or you have baked too much of them and can't eat them all before they go dry, freezing them is a great way to keep them fresh. Opposite of the fridge, the freezer can keep the moist of the cupcakes for months. Just follow these four simple steps, and no one will notice that your cupcakes were frozen.

1. Let cupcakes cool completely

Let the cupcakes cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. It's very important to let cupcakes cool completely in order to prevent condensation. Condensation in the freezer will cause ice to form on the cupcakes, which can make cupcakes soggy after you defrost them. Cupcakes are ready for the freezing process when they are cool to the touch.

2. Wrap cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap

Prevent the freezer taste by wrapping your cupcakes individually in a plastic wrap.

3. Store individually-wrapped cupcakes in an airtight container or bag.

Place wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe plastic container or bag. Place the bag or container in a safe spot in your freezer where your cupcakes won't be squished or damaged in any other way. It's best to defrost and use them within three months.

4. To defrost, unwrap them and bring cupcakes to room temperature

Remove your cupcakes from the freezer and pull the plastic wrap off. Let them warm up at the room temperature for an hour or two. If by any chance you have leftovers, then you can frost them and store them in an airtight container on the countertop for a week.

How To Freeze Frosted Cupcakes

Everyone prefers freshly frosted cupcakes. However, you will probably find the method below as a great way to store your leftover cupcakes. So these three steps will help you out:

1. Pre-freeze cupcakes

To avoid squishing the cupcakes frosting, place them on a plate, uncovered, and pre-freeze them for an hour or two until you are sure the frosting is frozen.

2. Individually wrap cupcakes, and store them in a plastic or glass container

When the frosting is completely frozen, remove the cupcakes from the freezer and wrap each one in a plastic wrap. If your frosting is frozen enough, it will hold its shape without a problem. To preserve freshness and keep the freezer flavor away, it is recommended to wrap the cupcakes individually. Place cupcakes in a plastic or glass container. You can store them like this for up to three months.

3. To defrost, unwrap them and bring cupcakes to room temperature

Remove your cupcakes from the freezer and pull the plastic wrap off. Let them warm up at room temperature for an hour or two. They can be stored in the airtight c​​ontainer for a week. Sometimes, during the defrosting process, frosting might start slipping off, but you can always fix that with the butter knife by pushing it back on top of the cupcake.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully some of these tricks you might find helpful. Yes, we all adore them fresh but it's always good to know something delicious is in the freezer.

They might come in handy in plenty occasions whether it is an unexpected visit, or you just want to treat yourself with a delicious dessert.

It can't be easier - already-made, perfectly-stored cupcakes without any particular reason. 🙂

Barbara Whitney

For the last 20 years, I’ve been cooking, preparing, researching, and gathering recipes, tools, and knowledge about food and the way we prepare it. Raising two lively boys and spoiling one great husband later, it’s safe to say that I’ve optimized my kitchen to deliver the best possible meal, no matter the occasion.

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